Tackle summer drought with mulching

The idea

To protect your plants from hot, dry weather and conserve soil moisture, apply a thick layer of organic mulch around their base. This involves spreading a substantial amount of material, such as compost or bark chips, directly onto the soil surface around the plants. Ensure the layer is uniform and covers the entire root zone, but avoid piling it directly against the plant stems to prevent rot.

Why it works

Mulch acts as a protective barrier for the soil. It significantly reduces water evaporation from the soil surface, meaning the moisture from watering or rain stays available to your plants for longer. Additionally, this layer insulates the soil, keeping it cooler during hot periods and slowing down the transfer of heat to the plant's roots. This helps prevent stress and allows plants to thrive even in challenging summer conditions.

Try it

1. Prepare the area: Before applying mulch, ensure the soil around your plants is moist. Water thoroughly if it's dry. Remove any weeds from the area.
2. Choose your mulch: Opt for organic materials like compost, bark chips, shredded leaves, or straw. These will also slowly break down and enrich your soil over time.
3. Apply a thick layer: Spread a layer of mulch that is at least 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) deep around the base of your plants. Extend the mulch out to the drip line of the plant (the edge of its canopy).
4. Keep clear of stems: Leave a small gap (about 1-2 inches or 2.5-5 cm) between the mulch and the plant's stem or trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot.
5. Monitor moisture: After mulching, you may find you need to water less frequently. Check the soil moisture under the mulch before watering again.
6. Watch for results: Over the next few days and weeks, observe your plants. They should show fewer signs of heat stress, such as wilting, and the soil beneath the mulch should remain consistently moist.

Watch out for

• Too thin a layer: A thin layer of mulch won't be effective at retaining moisture or insulating the soil. Aim for at least 2 inches.
• Piling against stems: Avoid creating a "mulch volcano" around the base of trees or shrubs, as this can lead to stem rot and pest problems.
• Weed seeds in mulch: If using homemade compost or unsterilized materials, you might introduce weed seeds.
• Anaerobic conditions: Extremely thick, wet mulch can sometimes create anaerobic conditions, which are detrimental to soil health. Ensure good air circulation.